Enhancing Student Achievement (Dec. 8, 2011)

To the Campus Community:

As I have stated frequently and publicly, the success of our students is the number one priority for this campus.  Although we do a good job in helping our students achieve their degrees, we must do a great job.

Today I am announcing the launch of an important undergraduate initiative at Rutgers–Camden.  I have asked Dr. Julie Amon, our new associate chancellor for academic services, to spearhead a campus-wide effort that will focus on improving undergraduate student success.  In so doing, she will engage faculty, staff, and students to explore issues including, but not limited to, retention, academic advising, student engagement, and barriers to successful degree completion.

This process will begin immediately and will build upon the many successful programs and efforts that Rutgers–Camden already delivers on behalf of our students.  In addition to drawing upon the expertise found on our campus, we will partner with national leaders and resources that support institutional efforts to improve student success.  In 2012, Dr. Amon will meet with myriad campus constituents to explore our existing successes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.  I know that I can count on all of you to offer your best thinking in this area.  To that end, I encourage you to share your recommendations for enhancing success, identifying existing barriers to student success, and suggesting issues that should be explored as part of this process by visiting the Rutgers–Camden Undergraduate Student Success Initiative Sakai site. 

In the coming weeks, please look for additional announcements about ways in which you can contribute to this effort.  In March 2012, members of the campus community will be asked to participate in a strategic planning retreat to chart a path to improving student success and the overall undergraduate experience at Rutgers–Camden.  I am committed to promoting a campus culture that is relentlessly dedicated to the success of all of our undergraduates.

I look forward to working with you on this important and exciting initiative.  As always, thank you for all that you do on behalf of our students and Rutgers–Camden. 

Wendell E. Pritchett, J.D., Ph.D

Chancellor